Stade De La Rabine

Stade De La Rabine Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Vannes Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Stade de la Rabine, located in the vibrant heart of Vannes, Brittany, is a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and cultural travelers alike. Blending contemporary architecture with historic charm, the stadium has evolved since its opening in 1969 from a modest municipal ground into a state-of-the-art venue. Overlooking the scenic Vannes port and nestled against the city’s medieval walls, Stade de la Rabine offers more than just thrilling rugby and football—it provides a dynamic urban experience and a gateway to Brittany’s rich traditions (bienvivrealarabine.fr; rugbyclubvannes.bzh).

Home to Rugby Club Vannes (RCV), the first Breton club in the Top 14, and Vannes Olympique Club (VOC), the stadium is renowned for its electric atmosphere and passionate supporters. With a capacity of approximately 11,500, it is intimate yet vibrant, and its amenities—including VIP lounges, multiple refreshment bars, and full accessibility—ensure a first-class experience for all visitors (wikipedia; transfermarkt.com). The proximity to Vannes’ historic center allows visitors to combine sporting events with exploration of the city’s medieval streets, ramparts, and Gothic cathedral (vivreavannes.com; francethisway.com).

This guide provides detailed information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, stadium features, and nearby attractions, ensuring you make the most of your visit to one of Brittany’s most iconic venues.

History and Development
Stadium Architecture and Facilities
Sporting Significance
Visiting Hours and Guided Tours
Ticketing and Entry
Accessibility Information
Getting There: Transport and Parking
Matchday Experience and Local Traditions
Nearby Attractions in Vannes
Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual Highlights and Interactive Maps
Sources

History and Development

Origins and Growth

Stade de la Rabine was established in 1969 as a municipal sports facility, initially serving as a football ground for Véloce Vannetais and UCK Football. Its location, adjacent to the port and the historic center, influenced both its architectural style and urban integration (bienvivrealarabine.fr). Over the decades, the stadium underwent major modernization phases:

1999–2000: Construction of the main “Honneur” stand and upgraded changing rooms.
2006–2010: Further expansions to accommodate the rising status of RCV and VOC, boosting capacity and compliance with professional league standards.

Modernization and Expansion

With RCV’s rise to the Top 14, the stadium has seen continuous improvements, including digital infrastructure upgrades, enhanced hospitality areas, and plans to expand capacity to over 15,000 seats (Breizh Info; actu.fr).

Stadium Architecture and Facilities

Design and Capacity

Stade de la Rabine stands out for its integration into Vannes’ urban and historical landscape, blending modern amenities with the ambiance of the old city. The current capacity ranges from 11,303 to 11,865, with covered stands offering shelter from Brittany’s weather and excellent sightlines from all seats (wikipedia; rugbyclubvannes.bzh).

Key Facilities:

Honneur Ouest (Main Stand): Covered, 2,591 seats
VIP Loges: 112–171 seats in private boxes
Tribune Sud-Ouest: 638 seats
North and East Stands: General admission and supporter zones
VIP Lounges and Reception Areas: Including the Espace du Golfe
Multiple Refreshment Bars
Fully accessible facilities for disabled visitors

Planned Expansions

Projects underway will enlarge hospitality spaces and potentially add a new stand, with the goal of increasing capacity and enhancing the visitor experience (Breizh Info; actu.fr).

Sporting Significance

Home Teams and Major Events

Rugby Club Vannes: The first Breton club to reach the Top 14, drawing record crowds and regional pride (trip.com).
Vannes Olympique Club: A football team with a storied past in national competitions (transfermarkt.com).
International Events: Host of the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship, 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and Six Nations Under 20s matches (wikipedia; actu.fr).

Cultural Hub

On match days, the stadium pulsates with local traditions—Breton music, regional cuisine, and the waving Gwenn-ha-du flags—making it a unique celebration of Brittany’s identity (lequipe.fr; rugbyworld.com).

Visiting Hours and Guided Tours

Match Days: The stadium opens approximately 1.5 hours before kick-off and remains accessible up to an hour after the final whistle.
Guided Tours: Offered during select periods; advance booking via the Rugby Club Vannes website is advised.
Non-Event Days: Contact stadium management for tour availability.

Ticketing and Entry

General Sale: Only about 1,500 tickets are available per match due to high season ticket demand (Le Télégramme).
How to Buy: Purchase online via RC Vannes, VOC, or authorized vendors. Early purchase is strongly recommended.
Entry Procedures: Gates open well before matches; expect security checks. Travel light and avoid prohibited items (large bags, bottles, cans).

Accessibility Information

Stade de la Rabine is fully accessible:

Wheelchair Access: Elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms in the Tribune d’Honneur (West Stand).
PMR Parking: Dedicated spaces behind the main stand, accessed from Rue Albert 1er.
Assistance: Contact the club at least 72 hours in advance to arrange accommodations (Rugby Club Vannes).

Getting There: Transport and Parking

Address: Place Théodore Decker, 56000 Vannes, France.
Public Transport: Kicéo bus network serves the stadium; Vannes train station is a 20-minute walk away.
Shuttle Services: Free shuttles from park-and-ride lots (P+R Ouest, Bilaire, UBS, Parc du Golfe) operate on match days for ticket holders (Rugby Club Vannes).
Parking: Limited on-site; use shuttle and park-and-ride facilities to avoid congestion.
Cycling/Walking: The stadium is easily accessible by foot or bicycle from the city center.

Matchday Experience and Local Traditions

Match days at Stade de la Rabine are festive and family-friendly. Expect:

Pre-match Bagad (Breton band) parades
Local specialties at food stalls (galette-saucisse, oysters, regional beers)
Supporter tifos and flag displays
Lively gatherings in nearby cafés, bars, and the port area

The stadium’s compact design ensures an electric atmosphere, while efficient organization minimizes queues and ensures easy navigation.

Nearby Attractions in Vannes

Combine your stadium visit with Vannes’ top historical and cultural sights:

Medieval City Walls and Ramparts: Walk the ancient fortifications.
Old Town (Le Vieux Vannes): Explore cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and markets.
Jardin des Remparts: Relax in this scenic garden.
Saint-Pierre Cathedral: Admire Gothic architecture.
Port de Vannes Promenade: Enjoy waterfront dining and views (vivreavannes.com; francethisway.com).

Visitor Tips

Book tickets early—matches often sell out.
Use public transport or free shuttles to avoid parking hassles.
Arrive early to enjoy the pre-match ambiance.
Prepare for unpredictable weather—covered stands offer protection, but bring appropriate clothing.
Contact the club ahead for accessibility needs.
Respect local residents by parking only in designated areas.
Carry some cash for concessions, though cards are widely accepted.
Explore nearby attractions to make the most of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the stadium’s visiting hours?
Open on match days (1.5 hours before kick-off to 1 hour after). Guided tours are available by appointment.

How can I buy tickets?
Purchase online via the official club websites or at the stadium box office. Early booking is advised.

Is the stadium accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, with elevators, dedicated seating, adapted restrooms, and PMR parking.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, during select periods. Book in advance via the Rugby Club Vannes website.

What is the best way to get to the stadium?
Use public transport, park-and-ride shuttles, or walk from the city center.

What facilities are available inside?
General seating, VIP hospitality, multiple food and beverage outlets, and restrooms (including accessible toilets).

Visual Highlights

Alt tags: ‘Stade De La Rabine visiting hours’, ‘Stade De La Rabine tickets’

Map and Location

Interactive map of Stade De La Rabine and surrounding Vannes

Safety and Security

Security includes entry checks and pat-downs. Follow instructions from staff for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Summary

Stade de la Rabine is more than a sports arena—it is a cultural and social landmark that encapsulates the pride, heritage, and hospitality of Vannes and Brittany. With its modern facilities, passionate matchday atmosphere, and seamless integration into the historic cityscape, it offers an unmatched experience for fans and visitors. The ongoing expansion projects and strong community involvement promise an even brighter future for the venue and the city. Plan your visit, secure your tickets early, and immerse yourself in the unique blend of sport and culture that defines Stade de la Rabine (rugbyclubvannes.bzh; transfermarkt.com; Breizh Info).

Call to Action

Download the Audiala app for the latest schedules, ticket updates, and exclusive offers. Follow Stade de la Rabine and Vannes tourism on social media for live updates and insider tips. Experience the heart of Vannes’ sporting and cultural scene at Stade de la Rabine!